Commensal and pathogenic intestinal microbiota (Gut microbiota)

The commensal and pathogenic intestinal microbiota refers to the complex community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, residing in the human gastrointestinal tract. This biological entity functions as a 'virtual organ' that plays a critical role in host digestion, vitamin synthesis, and the maturation of the immune system. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in this microbial community, is strongly linked to various pathologies, ranging from localized infections like Clostridioides difficile to systemic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, and metabolic disorders. In therapeutic contexts, the microbiota is targeted through antibiotics to eliminate pathogens, or through live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) and fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) to restore a healthy ecological balance. Modern drug development focuses on precision microbiome modulation, utilizing specific bacterial strains or prebiotics to influence host health and enhance the efficacy of other treatments, such as cancer immunotherapies.

Other names

Gut microbiomeIntestinal floraGastrointestinal microbiotaEnteric microbiotaHuman intestinal microbiome

Restoration of microbial diversity, competitive exclusion of pathogens, production of antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins), modulation of host immune signaling, and metabolic conversion of bile acids and dietary fibers into bioactive metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).